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Automated MySQL Backups with automysqlbackup
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mysql backup database automation linux

Automated MySQL Backups with automysqlbackup

Learn how to set up automated MySQL database backups using the powerful automysqlbackup tool

Database backups are a critical part of any system administration strategy. When it comes to MySQL databases, one of the most reliable and feature-rich backup solutions is the automysqlbackup tool. This article will guide you through setting up and configuring this powerful backup solution.

Why automysqlbackup?

automysqlbackup stands out for several reasons:

  • Automatic rotation: Creates daily, weekly, and monthly backups with automatic rotation
  • Compression: Automatically compresses backup files to save space
  • Email notifications: Can be configured to send email notifications about backup status
  • Flexible configuration: Highly configurable to meet specific backup requirements
  • Multiple database support: Can backup all databases or specific ones

Installation

You can install automysqlbackup in two ways:

  1. Clone from my GitHub repository:
git clone git@github.com:mattanja/automysqlbackup.git
  1. Or download from the original source:
wget http://sourceforge.net/projects/automysqlbackup/

After obtaining the files, run the setup script:

cd automysqlbackup
./install.sh

This will install:

  • The executable script in /usr/local/bin/automysqlbackup
  • Default configuration in /etc/automysqlbackup

Configuration

The tool uses two main configuration files:

  1. /etc/automysqlbackup/automysqlbackup.conf - Default configuration
  2. /etc/automysqlbackup/myserver.conf - Server-specific settings

Key configuration options include:

  • Backup directory location
  • Database selection (all or specific databases)
  • Compression settings
  • Email notification settings
  • Retention policies

Setting up Automated Backups

To set up automated daily backups, use the provided cron example:

# Create a new cron file
sudo cp /etc/automysqlbackup/example-cron-file /etc/cron.d/automysqlbackup

# The cron file will contain:
# Run the mysql backup scripts every morning at 4.30 h:
30 4 * * * root /etc/automysqlbackup/run

Backup Structure

The backup system creates a structured hierarchy:

backup_dir/
├── daily/
│   └── [database_name]/
│       └── [date]_[database_name].sql.gz
├── weekly/
└── monthly/

Additional Features

  • Multiple backup types: Full, incremental, and differential backups
  • Pre/post backup hooks: Execute custom scripts before or after backups
  • Logging: Detailed logging of backup operations
  • Error handling: Automatic error detection and notification

Security Considerations

  • Store backup files in a secure location
  • Use appropriate file permissions
  • Consider encrypting sensitive backup data
  • Implement proper access controls

Note on Current Relevance (2025)

Despite being originally written in 2014, this backup solution remains highly relevant in 2025 because:

  1. Proven Reliability: The tool has been battle-tested for over a decade
  2. Simplicity: Its straightforward approach makes it easy to maintain
  3. Compatibility: Continues to work with modern MySQL versions
  4. Flexibility: Can be integrated with modern backup solutions
  5. Low Resource Usage: Efficient operation makes it suitable for various environments

While newer backup solutions exist, automysqlbackup remains a solid choice for many use cases, especially for those who value simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge features.

Further Reading